Apparatus and method to correctly orient garments

ABSTRACT

A pair of indicia that aid a child in orienting shoes or any article of wearing apparel that has a first section for one appendage and a second section for another appendage. The first indicium is an image that indicates a first direction while a second indicium indicates a second direction. The second direction is substantially collinearly contradictory to the first direction. Children know that shoes or articles of wearing apparel are properly oriented when first indicium and the second indicium are substantially collinearly contradictory.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/561,077, filed Apr. 8, 2004,entitled “SHOE POSITION INDICATING SYSTEM,” which is incorporated hereinby reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus to aidin correctly orienting garments.

2. Description of Related Art

As most parents know, children at a young age and/or developmentallychallenged persons frequently have difficulty putting shoes on thecorrect feet. The prevalent cause is not only the inability todistinguish left from right, but also the inability to distinguish thetwo shoes. Because a child's shoes are so small, the contours are verysubtle. These contours are often unnoticeable to a young child. Thus, itbecomes very difficult for a young child to distinguish which shoe iscorrectly tailored for the corresponding foot. Without a method ofindicating the appropriate shoe for the appropriate foot, a child isforced to helplessly guess. A child who is unable to put shoes oncorrectly is likely to become frustrated at the repeated attemptsnecessary to deal with the problem. Frustration can lead to pain andinjury if the child chooses to forego the effort and wear the shoesinappropriately. A child may also become confused and befuddled from theinability to put shoes on correctly. Furthermore, the child may becomeoverly dependent on the parents. Not only does this impede the child'slearning, it frustrates the parent who must divert attention away fromother matters to correct the child's shoes.

Although the most common scenario involves the incorrect orientation ofshoes, young children often have difficulty orienting any article ofwearing apparel that has a left side and a right side. One example is apair of gloves. Gloves also have subtle contours because of their smallsize making it difficult for a young child to distinguish the left fromthe right. All of the harmful consequences that may result from theincorrect orientation of shoes may also result from the incorrectorientation of any article of wearing apparel that has one side tailoredfor a left appendage and right side tailored for a right appendage.

In the past this problem has been dealt with in a number of ways. One ofsuch ways utilized two halves of a single image. Each of the two halveswould be placed on a shoe or a glove. Once the two sides were properlyaligned the image would be recognizable signifying to the child that theshoes or gloves were correctly positioned. Although this method may helpsolve the underlying problem, each half of the image was in and ofitself incomplete and thus unappealing. The shoes and gloves becameunattractive because of the inchoate images that were attached.

Others attempts to resolve the problem have employed the use of twodistinct images. One image would be placed inside the left shoe andanother completely different image would be placed inside the right. Inorder to utilize this method, the child would have to remember a storythat associates the left image as belonging on the left and the rightimage as belonging on the right. The images in and of themselves do nothelp determine which configuration is correct. If the underlying storyis forgotten, the child is left frustrated and confused.

Another method required the same color paint to be applied to a child'stoe and corresponding shoe. A parent would apply paint to the child'sfoot and then place a strip of the same color in the shoe. This methodis inconvenient and intrusive as it requires a consistent application ofpaint. Once the paint rubs off, the child is again forced to helplesslyguess which shoe is tailored for the correct foot. A parent must thendivert their attention from other matters to reapply the paint to thechild.

Alternatively some tried to address the problem by utilizing dots. Dotsor symbols would be attached to the instep portion of the shoe'sexterior. Once the dots or symbols were adjacent, the shoes werepositioned correctly. The location of the dots on the instep portioncreated a visual imbalance in the shoes. It also caused children totwist their necks or pick up their shoes in order to determine whetherthe dots are adjacent. Further, it was difficult for a child todetermine whether the shoes are correctly orientated by merely standingover the shoes.

What is needed is an orientation device that is appealing to children,does not require the use of external data, and is easy to use. Theinventors herein have designed a device that utilizes totally unitaryimages. Therefore, when the images are viewed separately, they areappealing, not inchoate. Further, the images indicate oppositedirections in order to aid orientation. Thus, there is no need toremember a story, paint the child, or employ the use of any externaldata. Finally, the indicia can be associated in a number of ways thatmake it easy for the child to locate the indicia and properly orient theshoes or garment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a pair of correctly oriented shoes having internalindicia associated therewith.

FIG. 2 depicts an alternate embodiment of the embodiment shown in FIG.1.

FIG. 3 depicts an alternate embodiment of the embodiment shown in FIG.1.

FIG. 4 depicts a pair of incorrectly oriented shoes having externalindicia associated therewith.

FIG. 5 depicts a pair of correctly oriented gloves having indiciaassociated therewith.

FIG. 6 depicts an alternate embodiment of the embodiment shown in FIG.1.

FIG. 7 depicts a sheet containing three sets of indicia.

FIG. 8 depicts an alternate embodiment of the embodiment shown in FIG.1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A pair of shoes consists of a left shoe shaped to fit the left foot anda right shoe shaped to fit the right foot. When the shoes are placedside-by-side, the pair of shoes are properly oriented if the left shoeis positioned on the left and the right shoe is positioned on the right.To assist in the proper orientation of a pair of shoes, a first indiciumis associated with one shoe and a second indicium is associated with theother shoe. The first indicium is an image indicating a first direction.The second indicium is an image indicating a second direction. Thesecond direction is substantially collinearly contradictory to the firstdirection. When the first indicium and second indicium are substantiallycollinearly contradictory, the pair of shoes is properly oriented.

An alternate embodiment of this device can be used to orient any articleof wearing apparel that has a first section tailored to one appendageand a second section tailored to fit another appendage. The firstindicium would be associated with a first section and the secondindicium would be associated the other section. Children and/ordevelopmentally challenged persons would know the sections are correctlyoriented when the first indicium and the second indicium aresubstantially collinearly contradictory.

The indicia can be associated with the shoes or article of wearingapparel in any convenient and/or known manner. The indicia can beassociated on any portion of the interior or exterior of the shoe orgarment. Indicia can be associated using any convenient and/or knownmanner, including by way of example any convenient and/or known adhesivedevice, removable or non-removable. Alternatively, the indicia can bemanufactured as part of the shoes or garment or can be embedded withinthe material of the shoes or garment using any convenient and/or knowndevice and/or method. The indicia can be depicted using one or anynumber of images. Furthermore, the images depicting the indicia can varywidely in shape, color, size, and design and in one embodiment can varybe substantially different. By way of example, this can include anyanimal, human, creature, cartoon figure, shape, form, sign,representation, icon, mark, emblem, or any other picture, drawing,sketch, design, symbol, device or customizable contrivance thatindicates a direction.

FIG. 1 depicts a pair of correctly oriented shoes containing indicia. Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the indicia are located on the healportion inside the shoe. However, in alternate embodiments, the indiciacan be located in any convenient location on the shoe or garment.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the pair of shoes is comprised of aleft shoe (1) shaped to fit the left foot and a right shoe (2) shaped tofit the right foot. As is apparent from the embodiment shown in FIG. 1,the contours of the shoes are quite subtle. As shown in the embodimentshown in FIG. 1, the left shoe (1) generally includes an upper toeportion (3) which is mounted on a sole (4). The shoe contains an opening(5) through which the left foot is inserted to put on the shoe.Similarly, the right shoe (2) generally includes an upper toe portion(6) which is mounted on a sole (7). The right shoe also contains anopening (8) for receiving the right foot. The inner soles, sock liners,or the like are identified as (9) on the left shoe (1) and (10) on theright shoe (2). The inner soles or sock liners (9), (10) are typicallylocated inside the shoes and can be removable or non-removable. However,the left and right shoes can be constructed or formed in any convenientor known manner using any convenient and/or known components and/ormaterials.

The first indicium (11) is shown in the heel area of the insole or sockliner (9) of the left shoe (1). The first indicium (11) is an image of adog looking indicating the right direction. The second indicium (12) isshown in the heel area of the insole or sock liner (10) of the rightshoe (2). The second indicium (12) is an image of a dog indicating theleft direction. As shown in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the indicia(11), (12) can be either silk-screened or imprinted directly onto theinsole or sock liner (9),

-   -   (10).

In alternate embodiments, the indicia (11), (12) can be manufactured andassociated with the shoes in any convenient and/or know manner. By wayof example, the indicia (11), (12) can be embedded within the materialof the shoes using any convenient and/or known method or can beremovably attached using any convenient and/or known manner, such aswith a detachable fastener. The indicia (11), (12) can also be imprintedon any kind of removable or non-removable label, including by way ofexample a self-adhesive label, and attached to the heal or any otherarea of the shoe using any convenient and/or known method.

As is shown in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the first indicium (11)and the second indicium (12) are totally unitary images. Also, as shownin the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the indicia are substantiallycollinearly contradictory. Because the first indicium (11) and thesecond indicium (12) are substantially collinearly contradictory, achild would know that the shoes are properly oriented and may proceed toput them on the corresponding feet.

FIG. 2 depicts an alternate embodiment of the embodiment shown inFIG. 1. The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is a pair of properly orientedshoes with internal indicia. The pair consists of a left shoe (13) and aright shoe (14) which are similar to the shoes (1), (2) shown in theembodiment shown in FIG. 1. The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is intendedto illustrate another variation of indicia that can be utilized. Thefirst indicium (15) is an image of a fish visibly indicating the rightdirection. The second indicium (16) is an image of the fish visiblyindicating the left direction. As shown in the embodiment shown in FIG.2, the shoes are properly oriented and the indicia (15), (16) aresubstantially collinearly contradictory. Because the two indicia (15),(16) are looking at each other, a child would recognize that the shoesare properly oriented.

In alternate embodiments, the indicia (13), (14) can be manufactured andassociated with the shoes in any convenient and/or know manner. By wayof example, the indicia (13), (14) can be embedded within the materialof the shoes using any convenient and/or known method or can beremovably attached using any convenient and/or known manner, such aswith a detachable fastener. The indicia (13), (14) can also be imprintedon any kind of removable or non-removable label, including by way ofexample a self-adhesive label, and attached to the heal or any otherarea of the shoe using any convenient and/or known method. Further, theembodiment shown in FIG. 2 illustrates only one alternative of indicia.The images of the indicia can vary widely in shape, color, size, anddesign and, by way of example, can include any animal, human, creature,cartoon figure, shape, form, sign, representation, icon, mark, emblem,or any other picture, drawing, sketch, symbol, device or customizablecontrivance that indicates a direction.

FIG. 3 depicts an alternate embodiment of the embodiment shown inFIG. 1. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, external indicia areassociated with a pair of properly oriented shoes. The pair of shoesconsists of a left shoe (17) and a right shoe (18) which are similar tothe shoes (1), (2) as shown in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. The firstindicium (21) is on the toe portion (19) of the left shoe (17). Theimage of the first indicium (21) is similar to the image of the firstindicium (11) as shown in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. The secondindicium (22) is on the toe portion (20) of the right shoe (18). Theimage of the second indicium (22) is similar to the image of the secondindicium (12) as shown in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. As shown inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 3 the indicia (21), (22) are substantiallycollinearly contradictory because the shoes are properly oriented.

In alternate embodiments, the indicia (21), (22) can be manufactured andassociated with the shoes in any convenient and/or know manner. By wayof example, the indicia (21), (22) can be embedded within the materialof the shoes using any convenient and/or known method or can beremovably attached using any convenient and/or known manner, such aswith a detachable fastener. The indicia (21), (22) can also be imprintedon any kind of removable or non-removable label, including by way ofexample a self-adhesive label, and attached to the toe or any otherportion of the shoe using any convenient and/or known method.

FIG. 4 depicts a pair of incorrectly oriented shoes having externalindicia associated therewith. The pair consists of a left shoe (23) anda right shoe (24) which are similar to the shoes (1), (2) as shown inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 1. As shown in the embodiment shown in theembodiment shown in FIG. 4, the first indicium (27) is on the toeportion (25) of the left shoe (23) and is similar to the image of thefirst indicium (11) as shown in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. Thesecond indicium (28) is on the toe portion (26) of the right shoe (24)and is similar to the image of the second indicium (12) as shown in theembodiment shown in FIG. 1. As show in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4,the indicia (27), (28) are not substantially collinearly contradictory.Accordingly, because the indicia (27), (28) are not looking at eachother, a child would know that the shoes are not properly oriented.

FIG. 5 depicts a pair of correctly oriented gloves having indiciaassociated therewith. The pair of gloves is an article of wearingapparel comprising a left glove (29) for the left hand and a right glove(30) for the right hand. The left glove (29) includes a hand portion(31) and a finger portion (32). The left glove (29) contains an opening(33) for which the left hand is inserted. The right glove (30) alsoincludes a hand portion (34) and a finger portion (35). The right glovecontains an opening (36) for which the right hand is inserted. The firstindicium (37) is on top of the left glove (29). The first indicium (37)is similar to the image of the first indicium (15) as shown in theembodiment shown in FIG. 2. The second indicium (38) is on top of theright glove (30). The second indicium (38) is similar to the image ofthe second indicium (16) as shown in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2. Achild would recognize that the pair of gloves depicted in the embodimentshown in FIG. 5 is properly oriented because the first indicium (36) andthe second indicium (37) are substantially collinearly contradictory.

In alternate embodiments, the indicia (36), (37) can be manufactured andassociated with the gloves or other article of wearing apparel in anyconvenient and/or know manner. By way of example, the indicia (36), (37)can be embedded within the material of the gloves or garment using anyconvenient and/or known method or can be removably attached using anyconvenient and/or known manner, such as with a detachable fastener. Theindicia (36), (37) can also be imprinted on any kind of removable ornon-removable label, including by way of example a self-adhesive label,and attached to any portion of the gloves or garment using anyconvenient and/or known method.

FIG. 6 depicts an alternate embodiment of the embodiment shown inFIG. 1. The embodiment shown in FIG. 6 depicts a pair of shoes havingexternal indicia associated with the back portion. The embodiment shownin FIG. 6 depicts an alternate location where external indicia can beassociated in order to assist in proper shoe orientation. The embodimentshown in FIG. 6 also depicts an alternate pair of shoes. The pair ofshoes as shown in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 comprises a left shoe(39) and a right shoe (40). As shown, the left shoe (39) includes anupper toe portion (41) which is mounted on a sole (43). The left shoehas laces (42) which are used to tighten the shoe. The shoe contains anopening (44) through which the left foot is inserted to put on the shoe.The shoe includes a back portion (49) on which the first indicium (50)is associated. The image of the first indicium (50) is similar to theimage of the first indicium (11) as shown in the embodiment shown inFIG. 1. Similarly, the right shoe (40) includes an upper toe portion(45) which is mounted on a sole (47). The right shoe has laces (46)which are used to tighten the shoe. The right shoe contains an opening(48) for receiving the right foot. The shoe includes a back portion (51)on which the second indicium (52) is associated. The image of the secondindicium (52) is similar to the image of the second indicium (12) asshown in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. A child would know that theshoes as shown in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 are properly orientedbecause the left indicium and the right indicium are substantiallycollinearly contradictory.

In alternate embodiments, the pair of shoes can be constructed or formedin any convenient and/or known manner using any convenient and/or knowncomponents and/or materials. In addition, the indicia (50), (52) can bemanufactured and associated with the shoes in any convenient and/or knowmanner. By way of example, the indicia (50), (52) can be embedded withinthe material of the shoes using any convenient and/or known method orcan be removably attached using any convenient and/or known manner, suchas with a detachable fastener. The indicia (50), (52) can also beimprinted on any kind of removable or non-removable label, including byway of example a self-adhesive label, and attached to the back portionor any other area of the shoe using any convenient and/or known method.

Additionally the images depicting the indicia can vary widely and by wayof example, can include any animal, human, creature, cartoon figure,shape, form, sign, representation, icon, mark, emblem, or any otherpicture, drawing, sketch, design, symbol, device or customizablecontrivance that indicates a direction. For example, in an alternateembodiment, the image depicting an indicium can be a picture of a childto whom the shoes or garment belong. Utilizing a child's picture todepict an indicium not only aids in orientation but also causes theshoes or garment to be uniquely identifiable. In addition, an indiciumcan be depicted by a combination of multiple images. For example, if achild's picture fails to indicate a direction, a symbol that doesindicate a direction can be used in conjunction with the child's pictureto depict an indicium. Furthermore, in alternate embodiments, theindicia can have additional identifying information associated with it.For example, the indicia can include an address, telephone number,social security number, identification number, and/or any otheridentifying information.

FIG. 7 depicts a sheet containing three sets of indicia. As shown in theembodiment shown in FIG. 7 the first indicium (53) is an image of a dogfacing the right direction. The image of the first indicium (53) issimilar to the image of the first indicium (11) as shown in theembodiment shown in FIG. 1. The first indicium (53) would be associatedwith the left shoe or left section of a garment. The second indicium(54) is an image of a dog facing the left direction. The image of thesecond indicium (54) is similar to the image of the second indicium (12)as shown in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. The second indicium would beassociated with the right shoe or right section of a garment. The thirdindicium (55) is an image of a fish facing the right direction. Theimage of the third indicium (55) is similar to the image of the firstindicium (15) as shown in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2. The thirdindicium (53) would be associated with the left shoe or left section ofa garment. The fourth indicium (56) is an image of a fish facing theleft direction. The image of the fourth indicium (56) is similar to theimage of the second indicium (16) as shown in the embodiment shown inFIG. 2. The fourth indicium would be associated with the right shoe orright section of a garment. The fifth indicium (57) is an image of aduck facing the right direction. The fifth indicium (57) would beassociated with the left shoe or left section of a garment. The sixthindicium (58) is an image of a duck facing the left direction. The sixthindicium (58) would be associated with the right shoe or right sectionof a garment. As shown in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the indicia(53), (54), (55), (56), (57), (58) can be imprinted on any kind ofremovable or non-removable label, including by way of example aself-adhesive label, and attached to any area of a shoe or garment usingany convenient and/or known method.

In alternate embodiments, the indicia (53), (54), (55), (56), (57), (58)can be manufactured in any convenient and/or known manner. By way ofexample, the indicia (53), (54), (55), (56), (57), (58) can bemanufactured in any or no color, size, having any number of indicia persheet, with any convenient and/or known material using any convenientand/or known method. Further, the indicia (53), (54), (55), (56), (57),(58) can be imprinted on any kind of removable or non-removable label,including by way of example a self-adhesive label. The images of theindicia can also vary widely and by way of example, can include anyanimal, human, creature, cartoon figure, shape, form, sign,representation, icon, mark, emblem, or any other picture, drawing,sketch, design, symbol, device or customizable contrivance thatindicates a direction.

FIG. 8 depicts an alternate embodiment of the embodiment shown inFIG. 1. The embodiment shown in FIG. 8 is a pair of properly orientedshoes with internal indicia. The pair consists of a left shoe (59) and aright shoe (60) which are similar to the shoes (1), (2) shown in theembodiment shown in FIG. 1. The embodiment shown in FIG. 8 is intendedto illustrate an example of a symbol that can be used to depict anindicium. The first indicium (61) is an image of an arrow visiblyindicating the right direction. The second indicium (62) is an image ofan arrow visibly indicating the left direction. As shown in theembodiment shown in FIG. 8, the shoes are properly oriented and theindicia (61), (62) are substantially collinearly contradictory.

In alternate embodiments, the indicia (61), (62) can be manufactured andassociated with the shoes in any convenient and/or know manner. By wayof example, the indicia (61), (62) can be embedded within the materialof the shoes using any convenient and/or known method or can beremovably attached using any convenient and/or known manner, such aswith a detachable fastener. The indicia (61), (62) can also be imprintedon any kind of removable or non-removable label, including by way ofexample a self-adhesive label, and attached to the heal or any otherarea of the shoe using any convenient and/or known method. Further, theembodiment shown in FIG. 8 illustrates only one alternative of indicia.The images depicting the indicia can vary widely in shape, color, size,and design and, by way of example, can include any animal, human,creature, cartoon figure, shape, form, sign, representation, icon, mark,emblem, or any other picture, drawing, sketch, design, symbol, device orcustomizable contrivance that indicates a direction.

There are various changes and modifications that can be made as would beapparent to those skilled in the art. It is intended that the inventionbe limited only by the scope of the claims appended hereto.

1. An apparatus for aiding shoe orientation comprising: a first indiciumassociated with a first item, said first indicium visibly indicating afirst direction; and a second indicium associated with a second item,said second indicium visibly indicating a second direction, wherein,when said first item and said second item are oriented in a firstorientation, said first indicium indicates a direction that issubstantially collinearly contradictory to said second direction of saidfirst indicium.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first item is afirst shoe and said second item is a second shoe.
 3. The apparatus ofclaim 2 wherein said first indicium is associated with the interior ofsaid first shoe and said second indicium is associated with the interiorof said second shoe.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said firstindicium is associated with the exterior of said first shoe and saidsecond indicium is associated with the exterior of said second shoe. 5.The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said first indicium and said secondindicium are each comprised of a self-adhesive label for associationwith the interior of a shoe.
 6. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein saidfirst indicium and said second indicium are each comprised of aself-adhesive label for association to the exterior of a shoe.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 2 wherein said first indicium is integral with saidfirst shoe and said second indicium is integral with said second shoe.8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first indicium includesinformation to identify a wearer of said first item.
 9. The apparatus ofclaim 8 wherein said information is a photograph of said wearer of saidfirst item.
 10. A method for orienting at least two wearable itemscomprising of the steps of: associating a first indicium with a firstitem, said first indicium visibly indicating a first direction; andassociating a second indicium with a second item, said second indiciumvisibly indicating a second direction; wherein when said first item andsaid second item are properly oriented, said first indicium and saidsecond indicium indicate directions that are substantially collinearlycontradictory.
 11. The method for orienting as least two wearable itemsof claim 10, wherein said first item is a first shoe and said seconditem is a second shoe.
 12. The method recited in claim 11 wherein saidfirst indicium is associated with the interior of said first shoe andsaid second indicium is associated with the interior of said secondshoe.
 13. The method recited in claim 12 wherein said first indicium isassociated using a self-adhesive label and said second indicium isassociated using a self-adhesive label.
 14. The method recited in claim11 wherein said first indicium is associated with the exterior of saidfirst shoe and said second indicium is associated with the exterior ofsaid second shoe.
 15. The method recited in claim 14 where said firstindicium is associated using a self-adhesive label and said secondindicium is associated using a self-adhesive label.
 16. A system foraiding in correctly orienting as least two items comprising: a firstindicator, said first indicator being selectively attachable to a firstitem and said first indicator indicating a first direction; a secondindicator, said second indicator being selectively attachable to asecond item and said second indicator indicating a second direction;wherein when said first indicator is attached to said first item andsaid second indicator is attached to a second, said first item and saidsecond item are substantially in a first orientation when said firstdirection and said second direction are substantially collinearlycontradictory.
 17. The system of claim 16 wherein said first item isattachable to said first item via adhesive.
 18. The system of claim 16wherein said first item is attachable to said first item via thermaltransfer.
 19. The system of claim 16 wherein said first item isattachable to said first item via pressure transfer.
 20. The system ofclaim 16 wherein said first item is a first shoe and said second item isa second shoe.
 21. The system of claim 20 wherein said first shoe andsaid second shoe comprise a pair of shoes.
 22. The system of claim 21wherein said first indicator is attachable to said first shoe viaadhesive.
 23. The system of claim 16 wherein said first indicatorincludes uniquely identifying information.